Justice through law and strength Azerbaijan’s model for the world

In recent times, politicians from across the world have increasingly invoked the concept of “historical justice,” often using it to mask their own self-serving goals while disregarding the basic norms and principles of international law. Against this backdrop, the remarks made by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev during his meeting with participants of the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum take on particular significance. Using Azerbaijan as an example, he clearly and transparently demonstrated that genuine historical justice can only be achieved by adhering to international law—and he convincingly outlined the path toward this noble goal.

The true value of the President’s words lies in his consistent reliance on a specific historical context. Ilham Aliyev reminded the audience of the situation Azerbaijan faced in the early 1990s: one million refugees and internally displaced persons left without means of subsistence, an empty state treasury, a devastated economy, hyperinflation nearing 1000%, and a country on the brink of civil war. It was only with the return of National Leader Heydar Aliyev to Baku, the President emphasised, that Azerbaijan began the process of revival and the development of a strategy for reclaiming its occupied territories.

Nevertheless, the OSCE Minsk Group—more precisely, its co-chairs—each for their own reasons, sided with Armenia in an effort to preserve the status quo. Even during Ilham Aliyev’s presidency, Azerbaijan’s arguments—based on international law and four UN Security Council resolutions demanding the immediate withdrawal of Armenian forces—ran up against “the wall of arrogant lecturing that we should come to terms with reality.” In response to this, the President underscored, Azerbaijan decided to create its own realities: “And that's what happened.”

The President unequivocally stated that in the pursuit of historical justice, it is essential never to give up and never to accept violations of territorial integrity.

“Our Victory is a fair Victory and a complete Victory. It says that justice exists, you just have to achieve it. And in order to achieve it, you have to work hard every day and bring victory closer with every day. Especially if the final decision depends on you, you have to dedicate your whole life to this.” He named the consolidation of society as the key factor in establishing historical justice.

In this context, the continuity between the policies of Heydar Aliyev and Ilham Aliyev becomes especially clear. The presidential course continues and fulfils the legacy of the National Leader, who back in 1996 declared that the Azerbaijani people must be united and understand that only they themselves can protect their homeland. If peaceful initiatives yield no results, then united, “we will liberate our lands at any cost.”

Heydar Aliyev also emphasised at the time that Azerbaijan, as an independent state, must be the full-fledged master of all its lands within internationally recognised borders—because this is demanded by the norms of international law, global democracy, and universal justice.

This historical and political continuity is clearly reflected in the principles outlined by Ilham Aliyev in Khankendi as the key tenets for achieving historical justice:

— adherence to the universal norms of international law, regardless of political or geopolitical preferences;
— defence of national interests without abusing this right, maintaining a balance within the regional and global context;
— strategic use of geography, which can serve as either a beneficial tool or a dangerous factor—“depending on whose hands it’s in, just like medicine.”

The President also reminded that geographical location alone does not make a country a transport hub. However, thanks to Azerbaijan’s strategic efforts, today it is impossible to imagine the Eurasian transport map without Azerbaijan’s infrastructure. Baku has consistently advanced its interests in securing the passage of international corridors through its territory.

During a meeting with residents resettled in the villages of Tazabina and Khanyurdu in the Khojaly district—an event held prior to the opening of the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum—the President emphasised that the arrival of the long-awaited day in which people believed became a triumph of justice. He added that to ensure this justice, “strength - and a strong fist” are essential.

It is worth recalling the President’s remarks at the 2023 Munich Security Conference: “We had to fight. We had to sacrifice 3,000 lives to restore our dignity, territorial integrity and justice and implement UN Security Council resolutions.”

The results of adhering to these principles were also reflected in the President’s recent speech in Khankendi: today, eighteen settlements in Karabakh have already been resettled by former internally displaced persons. But as the head of state noted, this is not merely about financial resources. No matter how much money is available, without human capital—without people who work with heart and enthusiasm—nothing can be achieved. Fortunately, the Azerbaijani people, regardless of ethnic or religious background, possess these qualities and continue to follow the chosen path with resolve.

This is what makes it possible to speak of transforming the liberated region into a true paradise—“we are seeing this with our own eyes here.”

It is fitting to close with a quote from one of the President’s earlier speeches in Khankendi: “Of course, our example serves as a beacon of hope for many people still suffering from occupation and facing injustices today.”

This statement encapsulates the essence of historical justice. Its realisation requires a national strategy, public unity, and—as Ilham Aliyev emphasises—social consolidation. This was the very message the President underlined in his address at the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum.